Shloka 59
Ādi-parva Adhyāya 132 — Duryodhana’s Instructions to Purocana at Vāraṇāvata
Lākṣāgṛha Planning
228 8 2022 (आय 6 (स सत्यसंध॑ नैषादिं दृष्टवा प्रीतो5ब्रवीदिदम् । एवं कर्तव्यमिति वा एकलव्यमभाषत ।।
vaiśampāyana uvāca | sa satyasaṃdhaḥ naiṣādaṃ dṛṣṭvā prīto 'bravīd idam | evaṃ kartavyam iti vā ekalavyam abhāṣata || tataḥ śaraṃ tu naiṣādir aṅgulībhir vyakarṣat | na tathā ca sa śīghro 'bhūd yathā pūrvaṃ narādhipa ||
毗湿摩耶那说道：德罗纳见那尼沙陀少年坚守誓约，心中欢喜，便对厄迦罗毗耶说道，仿佛示意：“当如此行。”自此，那尼沙陀之子只以手指引弦置箭。然而，噢，大王，他放箭的迅捷已不如从前。
वैशम्पायन उवाच
Educational Q&A
The verse highlights the ethical weight of satya-saṃdhi (keeping one’s vow) and the consequences of a guru’s directive: even when guidance is given, it can be shaped by social and institutional priorities, and the disciple’s sacrifice may diminish worldly prowess while preserving fidelity to promise.
Droṇa, pleased with Ekalavya’s vow-bound compliance, indicates the correct technique for drawing the bow—using the junction/coordination of fingers. Ekalavya thereafter draws and sets arrows with his fingers, but his speed in shooting is reduced compared to earlier.